Vallecito Bell Monument
California State Historic Landmark 370
02/17/97
#370 Vallecito
One of California's important early day mining towns, named by Mexicans meaning
little valley, gold was discovered here by the Murphy brothers in 1849. It was originally
called "Murphys Old Diggings." This bell was cast at Troy N.Y. in 1853. After being brought around
the Horn it was purchased from the ship with funds contributed by early day residents, then brought
to Vallecito and erected in a large oak tree in 1854. It was used to call the people together for
all purposes until February 16, 1939, when a severe wind blew the old tree down.
02/17/97
Intersection of Church St and Cemetery Ln, Vallecito.
Return to other landmarks in Calaveras county.
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